Basket making is a major preoccupation of Uli women and they are seeking government’s support to fund the trade to sustain and improve it.

Uli is a semi-urban community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. It is a trade that gets its boost through the patronage of the indigenous traders who engage in trading activities in the north.

Uli, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has a lot of potentials. Aside from hosting the state university, the community is into palm oil processing which is a huge income generating business. But a major trade which has given the women of Uli a pride of place is basket making

According to the traditional ruler, Damian Onyekaonwu, the trade is lucrative but needs government support in form of funding through cooperatives to enable the women assess funds for business expansion.

Women gathered at various parts of the community, taking the weaving trade seriously. Their fingers weave with precision depicting mastery and passion. Even in their homes, it is like a household chore, where even the young ones who will pass the trade on to upcoming generation dutifully engage in the practice. From the proceeds of the trade, according to the women, they settle their bills which they said was the main reason for being so much involved.

The baskets are packed in their number waiting for dispatch to the north where it is used to pack tomatoes, okra and other food stuff. A basket is sold between one 180 Naira and 200 Naira which is a big income for them but they have challenges of poor road infrastructure and capital, which the said, if addressed, would help in business expansion.

The traditional ruler and clan of the community said the trade started booming 25 years ago when the people began to realise the benefits in it and women mostly took up the preoccupation.

It is a humble plea from women who have chosen to empower themselves and break the bounds of poverty and unemployment. It behooves on the government to assist in the various ways the women have cited to improve their lot and may be, who knows, they may win laurels for the state through their skill aside enriching themselves.